Jan 08 2011
Mason killed in bike accident
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/01/08/mason-killed-in-bike-accident/
Jan 07 2011
Newest Bike is a Chainless Cruiser
I added to my stable of bikes recently.
I purchased a Sonoma Oasis beach cruiser. Since it’s a cruiser, it’s quite comfortable with a cushy, padded, spring-loaded seat and nice, high handlebars that allow me to ride without being hunched over.
But the most unique aspect of this bicycle is that it doesn’t have a chain. Instead, it has a 3-speed “self-contained drive shaft.” To me, that means no more pants caught in the chain, no more shoelaces chewed to oblivion, & no more chains coming off the sprocket. It also means no more black, greasy hands from replacing the chain on the aforementioned sprocket.
Sonoma Oasis beach cruiser is comfortable, stylish, & inexpensive |
I shouldn’t say “no more” since I still own three bikes that have chains. But at least I’ll have fewer incidents of the caught pants, chewed shoelaces, & greasy hands.
This bike wouldn’t win any races, but it’s a lot of fun and very comfortable to ride. And it elicited lots of comments at the coffee shop today, both about it’s retro look and the lack of a chain.
Oh, one last quality of the bike appealed to me. It only cost $315… brand new… with no shipping charges.
What more could a cheap bike freak ask for?
And the Sonoma Oasis beach cruiser is also available as a bike rental, if you’d like to try one out before buying it.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/01/07/newest-bike-is-a-chainless-cruiser/
Jan 07 2011
1955 England Cycling Video
This bicycle video from England was made a year before I was born. But it’s amazing how little some things have changed. A bike I bought in 1977, and thought was all modern, was very similar to the bikes the British folk were riding in this video. Oh, some things are different, like British similes that make little sense to me…, “… like new potatoes without the smell of mint?” I’m not sure I’ve ever smelled mint with new potatoes, but anyhoo, have a look at this fun little bike video and enjoy.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/01/07/1955-england-cycling-video/
Jan 05 2011
Silver Comet Trail Guide now available on Everytrail.com
I am proud and pleased to announce the completion and publication of a Silver Comet Rail Trail guide on the Everytrail website. This guide can be purchased for only $1.99 on Everytrail’s website and automatically downloaded onto your smart phone. It is such a handy way to get trail information while on the trail. It is much easier to pack and use than bulky paper trail guides and it’s quite interactive with a trail map, pictures, trail description, detailed “Points of Interest,” and links to other useful websites.
trail tunnel on Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail |
From my experience, the guides come in handy before you even get to the trail. Sometimes the hardest part is finding the trailhead. It’s a snap with the Everytrail guide.
Included in the Everytrail Silver Comet Trail guide are suggestions for rental bikes, suggestions for lodging, a description of the one steep spot in the trail, and information about ways to access the trail. Of course there’s also information about the old railroad tunnel, the trestles, the towns the trail runs near, and more.
If you haven’t yet tried one of these fun, easy, & inexpensive electronic trail guides, you owe it to yourself to check one out now. Make it your easiest, quickest, & cheapest New Years resolution.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/01/05/silver-comet-trail-guide-now-available-on-everytrail-com/
Jan 04 2011
Local Rail-Trail a Source of Pride
I love to hear/read about people and communities that are enthusiastic about their local rail trails; they should be. I don’t think a lot of people realize all the benefits that major trails bring to their communities. For a reasonably low price, trails bring tourists, economic benefits, health benefits, added transportation options, decreased air pollution, job opportunities, community togetherness, recreational opportunities, and the aforementioned civic pride.
spur trail that connects to the Coal Creek Trail |
I just discovered a blog called pedalparadise that details the great biking opportunities in Northampton, MA. One particular post on the site describes how the trail of Northampton (not to be confused w/ the Bridges of Madison County) helped lure a cyclocross racer into moving to the area.
I can relate. The cycling atmosphere, in general, helped lure me to the town where I live; then a great regional trail specifically convinced me to move to my present neighborhood. Looking out my back window and seeing people enjoying the trail on a daily basis bring immeasurable contentment.
Of course, I’m probably preaching to the choir on this particular venue. Now we just need to convince the rest of the world that trails make a difference and return much more than they cost.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/01/04/local-rail-trail-a-source-of-pride/
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2011/01/02/bike-sharing-is-growing-at-a-phenomenal-rate/